My Citizenship Health Factors

Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been...	Adapting to cultural differences between Colombia and Canada has been a challenge, especially in terms of healthcare access, social integration, and navigating new systems of education and support.
It's important for me to be part of my community's health because...	I believe that active participation allows me to contribute to collective well-being, foster healthier lifestyles, and ensure that knowledge and resources are accessible to those who need them most.
Some of the strength of my community health factors are:	There is a strong sense of solidarity, preventive health initiatives, and growing awareness about the importance of physical and mental health, which empower people to make informed choices.
Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are:	Barriers such as unequal access to healthcare, socioeconomic disparities, and limited outreach to vulnerable populations make it difficult to achieve consistent health outcomes.
I believe I can help improve my community's health by...	Contributing my background in biological sciences and digital health to promote evidence-based practices, education, and innovative solutions that support both prevention and care.
Does your Community have what it takes to be a best in class model for collaborative, healthy communities? Why or why not?	Yes, my community has the potential due to its resilience, diversity, and willingness to embrace collaboration. However, sustained investment in education, digital health tools, and inclusive programs is necessary to fully achieve this vision.

Advancing the DREAM

Advancing the DREAM - What it means to me

Dr. Martin Luther King’s words highlight the moral responsibility to ensure that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. As someone committed to biological sciences and digital health, I see the persistence of health disparities as a call to action. Advancing the DREAM means using science, innovation, and compassion to create equitable access to healthcare and education, empowering every individual—regardless of background—to live with dignity and opportunity.

My Action Pledge to Advance the DREAM?

I pledge to promote health equity through education and digital innovation. My focus will be on developing and supporting initiatives that use technology to bridge healthcare gaps, improve access to reliable health information, and empower underrepresented communities to take charge of their well-being.

General Information

Background

Organization	Mohawk College
Professional Title	Biologist
Bio and Background	I am a bilingual biologist, graduated Cum Laude from Universidad Icesi in Colombia, with experience as Principal Research Biologist at the Museo Departamental de Ciencias Naturales. I am passionate about health sciences and translational medicine, with the purpose of contributing to human well-being through the development of innovative and accessible medical treatments. Additionally, I have a deep interest in medical technologies and wearable health technologies focused on diagnosis and disease detection, as well as in healthcare data analytics.
Why I am a Force for Health Member	I am committed to advancing knowledge in biological sciences and digital health, and I see the Force for Health® community as an opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to projects that create meaningful health impact.
How I use the Force for Health Network Tools	I use the tools to access reliable resources, organize learning modules, and collaborate on health-focused initiatives, which streamline both my academic development and professional growth in digital health.
My inspiration	My family inspires me, as their support and values continuously motivate me to pursue excellence, resilience, and a commitment to improving health outcomes.
Location	Hamilton, ON
What would you like people to know about your community?	My community is characterized by resilience, collaboration, and a strong emphasis on education and health. People support one another in overcoming challenges and are open to innovation, which fosters an environment where collective well-being and growth are prioritized.

Name	Juan David
Last Name	Cardona Avila
Nickname	JD-Cardona

JD-Cardona